Sam Smith Gives Coming Out Advice to Fans

Sam Smith may be at the beginning of his singing career, but he’s always been fairly open in interviews, especially in regards to his sexuality.

In a recent interview with New York’s Fresh 102.7, the 22-year-old was asked if he had any advice for fans who are afraid to come out, in honour of Pride Week.

“Just be yourself and don’t make [your sexuality] an issue,” he said. “If others around you are making an issue, I understand. Fight for your rights, of course. But, also. Let’s make it a normality. To make it equal we kind of need to act equal if you know what I mean…The world is getting better in some places. It’s getting worse in some places, but everyone needs to just focus on themselves as individuals and do what makes them happy. And be brave. Listen to my record, it will help (laughs).”

Smith, who came out publicly a few weeks ago, previously stated that his album was about an unrequited love.

“In the Lonely Hour is about a guy that I fell in love with last year, and he didn’t love me back. I think I’m over it now, but I was in a very dark place. I kept feeling lonely in the fact that I hadn’t felt love before. I’ve felt the bad things. And what’s a more powerful emotion: pain or happiness?”

Samantha Lui is a writer living in Toronto. When she isn't writing, shooting videos or interviewing people, she can be found alone at the movie theater. You can follow her on Twitter (@samanthalui_) or find out more on her site samanthalui.ca.